Walking Around Naked

That got your attention didn’t it. It got mine earlier in worship. I’ll come back to it in a moment…

 

I used to be a person who took great pride and care in what I wore to work, how my hair looked, and makeup was minimal but it was done. I wouldn’t leave the house without being “put together.” I religously had my nails done every three weeks and a pedicure once a month.  Somewhere along the way I stopped caring about all of these things and just “let myself go.” There are days when I know that I will be meeting with people or going somewhere special and I can pull out my bag of tricks and my cute clothes but for the most part I have had an I don’t care attitude about my appearance.

 

Today in church the Pastor asked us how many christians are walking around naked? I was taken back by this question. Then He asked, ,how many of you stop to put on the armour that God gave you this morning or yesterday or the day before that? In a sense many times we are walking around spiritually “naked” and we wonder why the enemy has a field day with us.

 

This made me think. Have I had an I don’t care attitude about my spiritual appearance as well? Have I stopped caring about the things of the Lord the way I used to? Am I so busy working FOR Him that I have forgotten about my real relationship WITH Him. Do I take the time on a daily basis to fully equip myself spiritually? The sad answer to this question is no. Many times I make MY plans and expect God to follow through with what I want. I have gone round and round this mountain and you would think I’ve got the picture. I hope I don’t have to go back to Egypt on this one too much more.

 

So from here I go back to the basics. I must begin to start preparing for war everyday not just when I think I am going to walk into a particular situation. God has equipped me/us to be ready for whatever the enemy throws our way. I/We just have to use the tools He gave us.  Warfare is so much easier when you have a plan.

 

Today I am understanding why I have allowed my flesh to get in the way with certain situations. I have reacted in flesh not really consulting God but just wanting my way and expecting Him to give me all that I ask for like a spoiled child. I’m grateful for Grace and for the discipline of the Lord. Even more I am grateful for second, third and many other numerous chances.

 

I don’t want to walk around naked and exposed to the enemy. I want to fight and fight hard for what God has made available to me. I refuse to sit and listen to his lies and give up.  I may have to revisit my “survival guide” (a.k.a. BIBLE) a bit more diligently and re acquaint myself with all of the pieces of the armour and their purpose. In the meantime, I will not fret because God has my back. Are you walking around spiritually naked or are you fully dressed? As for me, today I am partially clothed and struggling to protect myself from the elements. How wonderful it is to be reminded that I don’t have to do this myself. The Lord has given me all of my equipment so I am headed for the “locker room” to get all my gear and come out again strong!

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we<sup value='[c]’>[c] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 ¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.